An investigative journalist covers violent political conflicts in South Asia in his new book

Unadulterated truth is rare in the shadowy and deceptive world of intelligence and counterintelligence. It’s a realm dominated by liars and charlatans, each playing their own game of deceit and manipulation. As a reporter in this murky field, I’ve encountered many of these deceivers.

Most of my interactions with these individuals have been civil, albeit superficial. I sit through these conversations, listening intently but sceptically, sifting through their words for fragments of truth amidst the overwhelming tide of falsehoods. Yet, there are those whose blatant lies have deeply irked me. Their overt and unapologetic dishonesty shows a blatant disregard for both my intelligence and time.

However, it’s a complicated dance of discernment, as these fabricators often weave a delicate tapestry of lies and truths. Over the years, I’ve honed my ability to extract the few strands of verifiable information hidden within their complex labyrinths of deception.

But among all the storytellers I’ve encountered, an Iraqi man named Junaid Alawash stands out as the most blatant and unashamed liar of them all.

“So, are you going to meet him again?” Diya enquired. She leaned back languidly in her wrought iron chair, the smoke from her cigarette curling up into the air like a lazy serpent...

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